“So now he’s mine. Mine and Ma’s and Dad’s and Dara Lynn’s and Becky’s. We all just love him so’s he can hardly stand it sometimes; tail wags so hard you figure it’s about to fly off.”

Marty’s fervent, loving thoughts about Shiloh are examples of the human-animal connection and emphasize the importance of The Ethical Treatment of Animals. Phyllis Reynolds Naylor also uses precise descriptions of Shiloh’s actions to make the dog come alive, painting a vivid picture to emphasize the warm, endearing qualities that make Marty and his family love Shiloh so deeply.

“I’m running my hand over Shiloh’s head real slow, and I can tell by his eyes how he likes it. If Shiloh was a cat, he’d purr.”

Marty’s fondness for petting Shiloh reveals the boy’s compassion and adoration for his dog, as well as his commitment to The Ethical Treatment of Animals. By comparing Shiloh to a cat, Naylor also creates the impression that Shiloh is gentle, quiet, and deeply loving. The scene reflects a moment of serenity and safety, establishing the fact that Shiloh’s life with Marty is infinitely better than the life he managed to escape.

“There’s times I wish we could just keep Shiloh in the house while I’m at school. But Ma says when you love someone, you don’t keep him locked up, not a dog like Shiloh who likes to run; when you love, you got to take chances.”

The themes of love and freedom are apparent in Ma’s advice. The contrast between Shiloh, who is free to run and play, and Judd’s dogs, who languish on chains, is also an important distinction between treating animals with love and being abusive. Ma’s guidance also illustrates her wisdom and guidance as one of Marty’s chief mentors.